Lymph nodes in the groin provide drainage of lymph from the pelvic organs. This is a large group of lymph nodes with a superficial location, making them quite easy to palpate. Lymph nodes in the groin can become enlarged and inflamed due to various pathological processes, which is manifested by specific symptoms. First of all, this group of lymph nodes reacts to inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system. Therefore, disturbances in the normal state of the inguinal lymph nodes are an alarming symptom and a reason for urgent consultation with a doctor.
Features of the inguinal lymph nodes
Inguinal lymph nodes in the human body are large in size and superficial in location. Their number depends on the physiological characteristics of a person. The lymph nodes in this area can almost always be palpated. They are located in the subcutaneous fat layer just below the inguinal fold. Palpation problems sometimes occur in overweight people. Otherwise, the location of the lymph nodes in the groin makes it quite easy to palpate them, and you can do this yourself.
Lymph nodes in the groin provide lymph flow to this area. They can increase against the background of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs. As a rule, enlarged lymph nodes in the pubis indicate problems with the genitourinary system, but in some cases it can be a symptom of systemic infections and autoimmune diseases.
At the same time, in women, the inguinal lymph nodes quite often react to changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy and before menstruation, which is not a pathology.
In order to promptly detect alarming symptoms, you need to know where the lymph nodes are located in the groin. As a rule, the symptoms of disease in the lymph nodes of this area are quite specific, which makes it possible to promptly detect signs of pathology and, without delay, consult a doctor.
Anatomy and functions of lymph nodes
When an infection occurs, the lymph nodes in the groin become inflamed smoothly as the disease progresses, and when the groin area is injured, inflammation occurs quickly
Lymph nodes are small formations in the subcutaneous fat layer. These organs of the lymphatic system are predominantly bean-shaped or oval in shape. First, you need to understand the peculiarities of the location of lymph nodes in men and women. In fact, there are no gender differences in the location, number and size of lymph nodes in this area. In both women and men they are located in the upper thigh. Lymph nodes are located in a chain along the inguinal fold and along the great saphenous vein of the leg.
In general, they can be divided into three groups: upper, middle and lower groin lymph nodes.
The main function of lymph nodes is to filter lymph and enrich it with necessary substances (antibodies, etc.). Intercellular fluid from surrounding tissues and organs is supplied through lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes, where it is cleared of toxins and infections, and then enriched with immune cells. The lymph, cleared of harmful impurities, then enters the blood. This ensures immunity support and blood saturation with necessary substances.
Sizes and palpation of inguinal lymph nodes
The number of lymph nodes in the groin varies from 3 to 20 on each side. As a rule, there are fewer of them on the left than on the right. So, a person can have up to 20 nodes on the right, and no more than 14 on the left.
Normally, the size of the inguinal lymph nodes ranges from 3 to 22 mm, according to other sources – from 5 to 20 mm. The largest are the upper lymph nodes, located above the inguinal fold. Their sizes can reach 2 cm in diameter. The lower groin lymph nodes are the smallest.
Knowing where the lymph nodes are located in the groin, many are lost, unable to palpate all the nodes, because they simply do not know what size they should be. It should be noted that palpation of large inguinal lymph nodes is almost always successful; palpating them is quite simple, but even a doctor cannot always cope with the lower nodes due to their small size.
Having figured out where the lymph nodes are in the groin, you should know how to palpate them. To do this, it is better to take a horizontal position and place your palm on the upper thigh so that your fingers touch the inguinal fold. Lymph nodes in the groin are palpated with soft movements of the fingers resting on the fold. Normally, it is not difficult to palpate the upper inguinal lymph nodes, since their sizes are quite large. The middle and lower lymph nodes may be difficult to palpate due to their small size.
If you are overweight and have a significant subcutaneous fat layer, palpation of the lymph nodes may be difficult.
Palpation of the lymph nodes should not cause pain. However, slight discomfort when pressing is not a deviation from the norm, but is associated with mechanical irritation of the nerve endings of the tissues in the palpated area. Normally, the contours of the lymph node are smooth, the structure is quite dense and homogeneous.
Swelling of nodes
In women, the inguinal lymph nodes, which are located in the pelvic area, may become swollen.
This disease is called lymphadenitis and refers to secondary infections that appear after untreated primary diseases:
- influenza and ARVI;
- measles;
- rubella;
- genital herpes;
- chlamydia;
- ureaplasmosis;
- thrush;
- gonorrhea;
- syphilis.
Organ diseases also affect the swelling of lymph nodes:
- bladder – urethritis;
- oncology of the pelvic organs;
- intestinal problems;
- disorders in reproductive function of an inflammatory nature (colpitis, balanoposthitis).
The nodes also swell with severe, prolonged allergic reactions.
In addition to swelling, the following symptoms may appear:
- fever or chills;
If the inguinal lymph nodes are enlarged in women, this can cause chills and fever. - discomfort when walking or other movements;
- changes in skin color in the area of inflammation;
- pain on the inner thigh, which can radiate to the stomach;
- lethargy;
- migraine;
- deterioration in general health.
Dangerous symptoms and reasons to see a doctor
Lymph nodes ensure the functioning of the immune system, so they react acutely to any episodes of decreased immune defense. Normally, lymph nodes should not bother a person in any way. Palpation may be unpleasant, but painless. If the lymph nodes in the groin have increased in size or become inflamed, pain and symptoms of general malaise appear, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
A gynecologist will help identify the causes of inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes in a woman’s groin. If the lymph nodes in the groin are inflamed, men should consult a urologist. Quite often, pathologies of this group of lymph nodes are associated with sexually transmitted diseases, so a specialist can refer the patient to a dermatovenerologist.
Enlarged lymph nodes in men
Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) can occur due to infection with tuberculosis or syphilis
Not all men know whether the lymph nodes in the groin should be palpated. Normally, you can palpate them, but you will have to make a little effort to properly palpate this area. If a small bump is clearly visible on the skin and palpation in a vertical position is not difficult, this is an alarming symptom indicating lymphadenopathy. This disorder is manifested by enlarged lymph nodes against the background of decreased immunity. The cause of this phenomenon can be any infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, systemic autoimmune diseases, for example, lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases.
Note! Lymph nodes in the groin area in men can enlarge due to chronic diseases of the genitourinary system - epididymitis, orchitis, prostatitis.
Lymphadenopathy is often a consequence of syphilis, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and herpes infection. It should be noted that when infected with genital herpes, it is the inguinal lymph nodes that enlarge, as they are closest to the affected organs.
Lymphadenopathy can occur due to infection with the HIV virus, but in this case there is an increase in the lymph nodes of several groups, including the inguinal one. Damage to the inguinal nodes in tuberculosis is observed in 10% of cases of infection with Koch's bacillus.
Symptoms of this disorder:
- the formation of noticeable bumps under the skin in the groin;
- skin redness;
- general malaise;
- night sweats;
- fast fatiguability.
Since lymphadenopathy is not an independent disease, but only a reaction of the immune system to a pathological process, symptoms of the underlying disease may additionally be present. Thus, with non-infectious prostatitis, there is spastic pain in the bladder area, a feeling of heaviness in the prostate, and problems with urination. With chronic epididymitis, a man feels a nagging pain in the testicles, and swelling of the scrotum is possible. With genital herpes, characteristic rashes are observed on the penis and groin skin.
Lymphadenopathy in women
Lymphadenopathy in the groin in women is sometimes a normal variant, but only a qualified doctor can accurately answer each case
In general, the main reasons for enlarged inguinal lymph nodes are the same for men and women. In women, lymphadenopathy can also be observed against the background of inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system.
Diseases accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes in women also include chlamydia and vaginal candidiasis. In men, these pathologies are usually asymptomatic.
It should be noted that enlarged lymph nodes in the groin in women in some cases is a normal variant. We are talking about hormonal changes before menstruation. In this case, a moderate increase in the inguinal lymph nodes indicates a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in testosterone. As a rule, this symptom is harmless and goes away 1-2 days after the start of menstruation.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin
Inflamed lymph nodes in the groin are a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin area in men and women is a consequence of an infectious inflammatory process in the pelvic organs.
It occurs due to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into them, arriving with the lymph flow from the affected organs. Pathology can be caused by streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococcus, etc.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes is called lymphadenitis. This dangerous disease occurs in an acute form and is characterized by vivid symptoms.
Signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin:
- significant increase in size;
- acute pain during palpation and sudden movements;
- increased body temperature;
- symptoms of general intoxication;
- weakness and fatigue.
Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes can be serous and purulent. In the first case, the pathology is manifested by a noticeable increase in nodes, but without suppuration. With purulent lymphadenitis in the groin, the skin around the node turns red, the node greatly increases in size and hurts even at rest, while with serous inflammation pain appears only on palpation. As a rule, lymphadenitis is always accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature - over 38 degrees. All this is accompanied by symptoms of general intoxication - nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache.
Causes of inguinal lymphadenitis
If the lymph node in the groin is inflamed, you should immediately consult a doctor, since lymphadenitis is very dangerous and requires timely treatment
Having understood what lymph nodes are and how they are located in the groin, you should know why they can become inflamed. There are specific and nonspecific inguinal lymphadenitis. Nonspecific inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs against the background of the penetration of opportunistic microorganisms - staphylococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inguinal lymph node in men can become inflamed due to acute infectious prostatitis or epididymitis. In this case, the infection penetrates into the node with intercellular fluid. Due to a general decrease in immunity, the body cannot cope with pathogenic agents, so they accumulate in the lymph node and cause its inflammation.
Another cause of this form of the disease is infection of the skin in the groin - with furunculosis, or even with accidental damage to the skin with subsequent infection of the wound.
Specific lymphadenitis develops due to the spread of Treponema pallidum (the causative agent of syphilis) or Koch's bacillus (the causative agent of tuberculosis).
Lymphadenitis is very dangerous and requires timely treatment. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin leads to disruption of lymph movement. Lack of treatment can cause infection of nearby organs and the entire body as a whole. The first thing to do if the lymph node in the groin is inflamed is to consult a doctor. Treatment is possible only after a comprehensive examination and an accurate diagnosis.
Which doctor treats lymph nodes in the groin depends on the gender of the patient. Women should be examined by a gynecologist, men by a urologist. If sexually transmitted diseases are suspected, consultation with a dermatovenerologist is necessary.
Pain in lymph nodes
The first symptom to pay attention to is discomfort in the groin lymph nodes. Normally, the lymph nodes do not hurt. Moreover, pain syndrome is also not typical for lymphadenopathy, however, discomfort in this case may appear due to mechanical irritation of the tissues around the lymph node.
Doctors recommend: after you have found a lymph node, you should listen to the sensations during palpation. After checking the lymph nodes in the groin and encountering pain, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since this symptom is characteristic of lymphadenitis.
Knowing the symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, lymphadenitis can easily be distinguished from lymphadenopathy. The inflamed nodes are very painful, the skin around them turns red and becomes hot to the touch, and the body temperature significantly increases. With lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes without inflammation), such symptoms are absent.
As a rule, lymphadenopathy manifests itself symmetrically, that is, the nodes on the right and left of the pubis are affected. With lymphadenitis, local inflammation is most often observed, that is, only one node is affected.
Treatment
Conservative therapy
The therapeutic plan is drawn up taking into account the cause of groin pain. Women can be prescribed:
- Painkillers.
To eliminate pain, analgesics and NSAIDs are used. Medicines may be used strictly as prescribed by a specialist after diagnosis. Failure to follow recommendations can smooth out the symptoms of pathology and make it difficult to identify dangerous conditions. - Antibacterial agents.
For nonspecific infectious processes, broad-spectrum drugs are used; after receiving the culture results, the antibiotic is replaced, taking into account the sensitivity of the microorganisms. For specific infections, drugs are selected that have the most powerful effect on a particular pathogen. - Other medicines.
Depending on the nature of the pathology, treatment can be carried out using diuretics, antispasmodics, etc. In some cases, women are prescribed hormonal therapy. For pain in the groin caused by orthopedic diseases, therapeutic blockades are performed. - Physiotherapy.
UHF, electrophoresis, ultrasound, laser therapy, and magnetic therapy can be effective. When joints and ligaments are affected, the regimen includes massage and physical therapy.
Radiation therapy or chemotherapy is indicated for patients with cancer pathologies. For local purulent processes, dressings are performed.
Surgery
Women with pain in the groin area undergo the following operations:
- Local infections, lymphadenitis:
opening, drainage of boils, abscesses; opening of purulent lymphadenitis and adenophlegmon. - Hernias:
laparotomic and laparoscopic hernioplasty for inguinal and femoral hernias using own tissue or mesh grafts. - Gynecological pathologies:
opening of an abscess and removal of the Bartholin gland, excision of foci of endometriosis, laparoscopic tubotomy or tubectomy for ectopic pregnancy, removal of cysts, fibroids and benign tumors, amputation of the uterus, hysterectomy or panhysterectomy for malignant neoplasia. - Urological diseases:
various options for lithotripsy for stones, ureterolithotomy, pyelolithotomy, ureteral stenting, partial and radical nephrectomy, TUR of the bladder, cystectomy. - Gastrointestinal diseases:
open or laparoscopic appendectomy, elimination of intestinal obstruction, dissection of adhesions or bowel resection for intestinal obstruction. - Orthopedic pathologies and injuries:
operations for ARS syndrome, endoprosthetics, open osteosynthesis of the femoral neck.
Diagnostics
Having figured out why the lymph nodes in the groin become inflamed, you should know which doctor to contact and what examinations are necessary to make a diagnosis.
Women should be examined by a gynecologist. It is necessary to do a smear and bacterial culture to determine the composition of the vaginal microflora. Additionally, a PCR test may be prescribed. An ultrasound of the pelvic organs with examination of inflamed lymph nodes is required.
Men need to visit a urologist. After a general examination and medical history, the doctor will prescribe rectal palpation of the prostate gland. To exclude pathologies of the testicles, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound; in addition, a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate gland may be prescribed. A smear from the urethra and a bacterial culture of prostate juice are required if there is a suspicion of prostatitis.
Both women and men are prescribed general and biochemical blood tests.
Folk remedies and recipes
Treatment with traditional methods is possible in the early stages of the disease or as maintenance procedures in addition to the main therapy. It is important to remember that in no case is this type of treatment independent. Below are some effective treatment recipes in complex therapy.
Nettle has a blood purifying, immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory effect:
- Brew 1 tbsp in 1 glass of water. l. plants;
- leave for 30 minutes;
- strain the medicine;
- consume 1/2 cup 3 times a day before meals.
Blueberries have cleansing and immunostimulating properties:
- crush blueberries;
- fill with water at a temperature of about 40°;
- drink 1 glass after each meal.
Dandelion root helps cleanse lymph, improves metabolic processes, and improves immunity:
- dry the dandelion roots;
- make powder (crush);
- use 1 tbsp. l. before eating.
Correctly selected treatment of inguinal lymph nodes in women located in the pelvic area gives a favorable prognosis for recovery. The disease is easier to prevent than to treat. You just need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and if you have health problems, do not put off visiting a doctor.
Article design: Oleg Lozinsky
Survey
A diagnostic search for enlarged inguinal lymph nodes is aimed at identifying other signs of pathology and establishing the root cause of lymphadenopathy. The examination can be carried out by different specialists, depending on the leading clinical syndrome. An isolated change in the lymph nodes is a reason to contact a hematologist. The most valuable in diagnostic terms are the following instrumental and laboratory methods:
- Ultrasonography
. Ultrasound of lymph nodes is prescribed to determine the size of lymphoid formations and visualize their morphological structure. Sonography helps differentiate lymphadenopathy from cysts, hidradenitis and benign tumors. To clarify the diagnosis, ultrasound of the pelvic organs is often used. - Study of biopsy
. A biopsy of an enlarged lymph node is performed to study its cytological composition. A large number of lymphocytes indicates reactive inflammation of the lymphoid tissue. The presence of atypical cells indicates metastases of malignant tumors or cancer of the blood system. - Blood test
. A general blood test for inguinal lymphadenopathy is necessary to quickly detect signs of an inflammatory process. Severe pancytopenia or a significant change in the ratio of individual cell populations is typical for developing hemoblastosis. Additionally, biochemical analysis is carried out. - Serological reactions
. Lymphoid hyperplasia can be caused by various infectious diseases of the genitourinary tract. Therefore, to exclude them, ELISA and RSK are performed, which determine specific antibodies against the most common pathogens. In some cases, PCR diagnostics are performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Ultrasound examination of inguinal lymph nodes
